Thoughtful Changes is a welcoming community of counsellors.
We are a nonprofit supportive group of counsellors who together, provide affordable mental health services throughout the province of Nova Scotia.
Please note: we only accept clients who are residents of Nova Scotia and are 19+ years in age.
Zarrin Ghaferi
Zarrin is a Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate (RCT-C), holds a BSc in Psychology from Dalhousie University and a MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She is a strong advocate of evidence-based interventions, client-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
Zarrin utilizes Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy within her counselling sessions to support, empower, and assist her clients to achieve their goals.
She works with culturally diverse populations, is passionate about helping newcomers settle in their new home, and has experience providing mental health support to youth and adults dealing with:
- Trauma,
- Depression,
- Anxiety,
- PTSD,
- Stress,
- Interpersonal issues, and
- Substance use disorders.
Zarrin can speak in both English and Persian/Farsi.
You can also book with Zarrin by contacting her via email zarrin@thoughtfulchanges.org or call (902) 932-7122 x102 .
Zarrin’s current availability is 9-4pm Monday to Friday and Tuesdays & Thursdays 7-8pm.
Sally Tucker
Sally Tucker (she/her) is Registered Counselling Therapist (candidate). Sally grew up in the Annapolis Valley, NS before moving to New Brunswick to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Psychology. Sally recently completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with Yorkville University. During this time Sally completed her placement at Landing Strong in Windsor, NS.
Sally is a highly empathetic person and counselor with a passion for working with individuals to assist in empowering them in their own lives. Sally has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years in a variety of positions. Sally approaches therapy from a client-centered, trauma-informed, emotions focused, cognitive-behavioral therapy, strengths-based individual approach to work with clients in a manner that best suits their individual needs.
Sally’s areas of interest are working with children/youth/adults who are living with a variety of mental health related issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, grief, self-esteem, adjustment, and anger issues.
You can book with Sally by contacting her via email sally@thoughtfulchanges.org or call (902) 932-7122 x103.
Victoria Westheuser
Victoria Westheuser graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Science (Hons. Psychology) and from Mount Saint Vincent with a Master of Arts in Child and Youth Studies. She is currently doing her internship to complete the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University.
She was born in a small town in rural Nova Scotia but spent most of her adult life living in Halifax where she now resides with her husband and sweet golden retriever puppy. She loves spending time in nature, hiking or running. She also enjoys yoga, reading, listening to podcasts, and a fresh cup of coffee!
She had the pleasure of working for over 5 years in health care and research. She gained invaluable and rewarding experiences that further demonstrated the importance of seeing an individual as a whole and being appreciative of the interpersonal and systemic influences that impact one’s quality of life.
At times, everything can feel overwhelming and it can be hard to make sense of thoughts or feeling that arise. Having a genuine interest in people and a passion for mental health, Victoria is passionate about offering support to aid in everyday challenges.
Her counselling interests include, but are not limited to, stress, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, chronic illness and life transitions. She works from an eclectic approach, drawing from Humanistic and Person-centered approaches while integrating a variety of models tailored to the uniqueness of every individual and their needs.
As a Counselling Therapist Intern, her goal is to offer a patient, empathetic, and non-judgmental space to listen to and explore important areas of your life. She is excited to join the team at Thoughtful Changes and looks forward to the opportunity to work with each individual to foster a trusting and collaborative connection that is supportive of and empowers individual healing.
As our student counsellor, Victoria is offering a limited series of free counselling sessions.
Note: Victoria is not currently taking new clients.
Meghan Scott
Meghan Scott (she/her) is a Registered Counselling Therapist (candidate). Meghan is originally from New Brunswick but moved to Halifax for university. Meghan graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Science (Hons Psychology). Meghan recently completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with Yorkville University. During this time Meghan completed her practicum with the Peoples Counselling Clinic. She has experience supporting individuals experiencing various mental health issues through both her professional, and her volunteer work. Meghan is interested in working with:
- Trauma,
- Mood disorders, and
- Addictions.
She is motivated to implement a range of evidence based techniques into her therapeutic practice, specifically deriving from a client-centered, and holistic based approach. Meghan strives to create an environment that promotes client growth and empowerment.
Meghan is no longer taking new clients.
Heather Deighan
Heather is a highly engaged, empathetic, and compassionate counsellor who believes that relationship and connection are the keys to finding meaning and purpose in life. She is a member of the Canadian Counselling Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT). Heather strives to create tailor-made solutions that will help individuals live their lives to their full potential. She is an experienced facilitator, career Counsellor, couples Counsellor and spiritual guide who is passionate about supporting individuals on their healing paths as she employs trauma-informed, narrative, solution-focused, and strength-based approaches with both individuals and their families. Heather brings to our team her experience counselling;- Youth living with disabilities and mental illness who are transitioning to meaningful employment and careers,
- Counselling those in recovery from addictions, as well as
- Working with individuals and couples who are experiencing crisis in their lives and relationships.
Stacy Darku
Stacy obtained her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Stacy is a Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapist.
Stacy began her career working with homeless women in New Brunswick. Stacy has worked with individuals of different backgrounds that have faced adversities. Stacy works with:
- Individuals facing addiction,
- Individuals that have experienced trauma, and
- Individuals that are struggling with the stressors in life.
Stacy uses narrative therapy, exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and dialectical behavioural therapy.
Stacy is no longer accepting new clients.
Krystle Annand
Krystle is a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate). She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s University and a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville.
She is passionate about helping people develop self-awareness around recurring issues making them feel stuck and guiding clients to navigate forward with resolution. She is client centered and eclectic in her approach to counselling clients and draws from Cognitive Behavoioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Narrative & Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy. Krystle has experience counselling clients with:
- Anxiety,
- Depression,
- Stress, and
- Trauma,
- and has an interest in working with Codependency.
Krystle is no longer accepting new clients.